The Charleston County School District is making extra efforts to bring Hispanic students back to classrooms after noticing a drop in attendance during the first week of the new school year. The issue has been especially noticeable in areas like North Charleston and West Ashley, where many Hispanic families live.
Fear Behind the Absences
According to Dr. Shavonna Coakley, the Associate Superintendent of School Support, many Hispanic families are keeping their children home due to fear. She explained that a lot of this fear is coming from multilingual learner (MML) families who are unsure about safety and support in schools.
Dr. Coakley said, “What we’re hearing from families is fear. Our goal is to work with each family, understand their needs, and make sure they know their children will be supported and safe in school.”
Support Systems in Place for Hispanic Families
To help families feel more comfortable, the school district is focusing on building trust and improving communication. Angela Rush, Executive Director of Multilingual Services, explained that schools now have:
Trained interpreters and translators
Bilingual front office staff
Bilingual educators who can support both students and parents
These resources are meant to help parents better connect with schools, teachers, and principals without language barriers.
A Bigger Picture of Uncertainty
This issue is not limited to Charleston. Experts say there’s a national trend of fear among immigrant families due to rising concerns around immigration enforcement. William McCorkle, an education professor and immigration advocate, said there’s a widespread feeling of mistrust, especially towards local authorities who some believe may be working with immigration agencies.
“There’s a general sense of uncertainty and mistrust,” McCorkle said.
Community Leaders Reassure Parents
Despite these concerns, local Hispanic community leaders are encouraging families to send their children to school. Lydia Cotton, President of Art Pot, is working closely with families to share the message that schools are a safe place for children.
“The schools are safe,” said Cotton. “I’ll repeat that one hundred times if I have to. I would not say that unless I truly believed it. We must build that trust with our families. The schools are ready.”
Cotton and other community advocates are asking parents to take the first step and get involved with their child’s education by meeting teachers, speaking with principals, and using the support services available.
School Leaders Urge Families to Reach Out
Charleston County school leaders want families to know they are not alone. If parents have concerns or questions about sending their kids to school, they are encouraged to contact school staff. The district promises to provide all necessary resources to support every child and family.
As the school year begins, Charleston County School District is focused on reconnecting with Hispanic families, offering reassurance, and rebuilding trust. With strong support systems, bilingual services, and dedicated community leaders, the district hopes to bring every student back to the classroom where they belong. Education is a shared responsibility, and families are not alone in this journey.
